If you've followed snowboarding for the past dozen years or so, you know of JP Walker. He's been one of the most style mimicked riders alive, so even if you haven't seen him, you probably think you did. He's one of the innovators of new-school freestyle, having multiple video-parts showing you the tricks you only thought of. ...you know this whole double-cork craze? Yeah, in 2003 he did that off a backcountry kicker, in MDP's "Shakedown"; also in that video he pulled a handful of other first seen heavy rail tricks. He just went up to Mt Hood for High Cascade's last session, which he was marketing for his signature appearance. Check out what 'The Don' had to say to me.

How was your time at High Cascade, with your homies Jeremy Jones, Seth Hout, and Joe Sexton? What is it like having them session around with you, rather than them working with you during a film trip?

HCSC was awesome with those guys. It wasn't really much different of a vibe than how we usually move together. It was just about riding and hanging out with all the campers instead of trying to get clips for a video. I guess it was just more laid back and stress free.

"parking lot prep"

What are the differences at Mt Hood these days, from when you filmed there with MDP over a decade ago?

It really hasn't changed too much. The features on the hill have got a lot better, but it's still the same thing. I have a different perspective on it though compared to back then because now I don't go there to try and film anything for my video parts. 10 years ago I was up there everyday filming for any possible table scraps for my part until the very end. Now I just cruise and hang with the kids and the homies.

Do you still get mobbed by kids everywhere you go?

At a place like Mt. Hood, of course there is going to be a few impromptu autograph signings and photo ops.

"JP hosted a "Simon Says" contest for the HCSC campers"

What's it like to see all these riders at the peak of jump progression, and most of them aren't even pros?

It's pretty cool to see anyone that is ripping and there are definitely a lot of peeps on the come up right now. But I think the less pros the better. I'm not saying they shouldn't be getting hooked up or paid, but just not pro. For example, I like how Joe Sexton did it. After his first full part he could have been on anybody's pro roster but instead he proved himself by dropping like 3 more videos parts and showed he's got some longevity. Being good for a day or the moment is nothing. Being able to repeat and upgrade is what being professional means.

Who's one of the up-and-coming am's that you give your approval on, and think we should keep an eye to?

Not sure if Mark Sollars is pro yet, but I liked what I saw in his riding since a while back. Been waiting for him to pop off.

How was it filming for People this past winter?

It was awesome. It was a dream line up of all my best friends. I've always liked their movies and Pierre is a genius when it comes to filming and editing. He's a human tripod.

Can you give us any pre-release info on something exciting that
happens in Cheers?

"Joe is a beast. "

"Joe doing a beasty switch front-noseslide"

You've had a few "firsts" in your career, like the first 2 year video-part, the ALL fakie video-part, and the first double-cork in the backcountry in a video. Any plans on another groundbreaking "first" in the snowboard industry?

I don't know. I'm always thinking of some new stuff. I don't even like to get in front of a camera unless I've got something new to drop.

How come you don't have a energy drink sponsor?

Haha. It's just not me, man. There is no energy in those drinks. Just broken promises and hurt feelings. I like to eat food not products.

What's the story behind your nickname "The Don"?

Travis Kennedy and Stevie Bell started calling me that, when we were filming in Stockholm one year. The other guys started calling me that, and it just spread from there. Sometimes I think my name is 'Don' now.

It's pretty popular to be into motorcycles right now, do you have one?

I have one but it has about and inch of dust on it. I like it but I just don't get out on it much.

What's the most random thing you've autographed?

"A guys private parts"

"JP will autograph more than just 'things'"

In my opinion, you and Jeremy Jones have had the longest careers at the top of snowboarding, putting out hammer video-parts consistently longer than any others have. Have you guys ever planned on moving on, like maybe a surprise retirement like Scotty Wittlake did, or just keep going till the global climate change won't let you?

I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks man. I don't really have any plans to stop. Why should I? I love doing it. It's the ultimate dream. Doing what you love for a job. It's hard to retire from that scenario.

Besides skating, what kind of "training" are you into, to stay strong to be injury free during the winter?

I surf a lot and recently started to stand up paddle. It's not the coolest activity, but it's fun and works you pretty good. Yoga and massage is a staple as well.

Where do you plan on going for the rest of the summer, any vacation plans?

I hope a surf trip but winter is getting pretty close already.

What companies do we have to thank that are keeping you on the snow?

StepChild, ThirtyTwo, Oakley, Etnies, Nixon, Dakine, Big Bear Resort, Vertra, Raw Rev, DBot5